Driver side window coming loose

Manolito · #1 (**permalink**) 03-29-2009, 08:12 AM

Noticed today that driver's door window in the wifemobile ('04 330) seems to go ajar while opening. When fully open, there is still a quarter inch of glass showing at the rear of the door, unless I roll it up a couple of inches and then back down again. Then it all disappears into the door.

1) I have had the door panels out of my e36s several times fixing lock, window mechanism, and speaker problems. Is the e46 similar (other than the air bag)? Anything special I need to know?

2) Anyone seen this problem before? Is it the nylon clips that slide in the channel, or is the glass coming loose from its channel?

3) How is the glass held into its channel? I have looked at the e36s several times and I never figured out what was holding the glass down in its channel.

Thanks!

millerbmw323 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2009, 10:38 AM

the e46 is different. there are two tracks with the window retension guides that are ran up and down by cables. It may just be that the one bolt that holds the window in the guide has come loose. But nothing that hard to take apart.

Manolito · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2009, 10:12 PM

Got it fixed.

Key facts are:
1) Pry off the wood grain to get to the two top screws. Another screw under the mirror control.

2) Most common failure mode can be fixed with a couple of zip ties without even taking the regulator out of the door. Just zip the slug on the cable securely back into the pocket in the regulator. There are holes and notches in the regulator that are perfect places to put the zip ties.

3) DON'T reconnect the battery and check your work without plugging in the airbag. If you do, you will set an airbag light. The Peake SRS tool works only through 2003 model year, and the dealer wants $160 to spend two minutes resetting the airbag light.

bnr32_coupe · #4 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 05:57 PM

how'd you figure this out?

Manolito · #5 (**permalink**) 08-25-2009, 08:32 PM

I read several helpful posts on various BMW forums. The stupid mistake that triggered the air bag light was my contribution to knowledge............. Fortunately I found a shop that was willing to take the time to reset it for me for a box of doughnuts.